Quick Question

[Chris'Mom]

Regarding cancer occurring in the remaining testicle, should part of follow ups be that an ultrasound is done periodically...other than just a physical exam of the remaining (healthy) testicle...I constantly worry now that could happen to Chris.....but I did read the percentages are low.....and I hope out there there are many guys who never had a second cancer in their remaining testicle...thanks for your help....Mary Ellen

[Joe's Mom]

Hi Mary Ellen - My son Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2006(for the second time). His initial diagnosis was in November of 2000 when after self-exam, he discovered a lump. Joe had an orchiectomy, underwent RPLND, and chemo for mets to the lungs.

Most recently - July 2006, Joe again found a second lump on self-exam; it was only 3 weeks after his "5 year Anniversary " appointment with the oncologist. It was a new cancer (seminoma Stage I). Joe had an orchiectomy, struggled with treatment options, and opted for surveillence after speaking with Dr. Einhorn.

His first exam was in November (CT, etc. == and happily - all clear). We've read a lot about testicular cancer and have experienced so much through treatments, etc. Self-exam is key. Not enough can be said about self-exam and it should be at the top of the list. Joe hoped he'd never be one of those TCer's x 2 - but fate plays a funny game sometimes.

Encourage your son to perform self-exams religiously. I also think an occasional ultrasound of the remaining testicle in an individual with a history of testicular cancer is a great idea. I know that it wouldn't have changed my son's course, but in all likelihood, the cancer could have been discovered three weeks earlier at his appointment - and we all know how important time is related to diagnosis/testicular cancer.

Thanks for letting me share our experience with you. If you have any questions that I might be able to help you with, please ask.

Joe continues on surveillence and although anxious at times, he is enjoying good health - please keep him in your prayers.
Nancy (Joe's Mom)

[Chris'Mom]

Thanks for replies Chris and Nancy, and yes I will keep your son in my prayers......I guess Chris will just have to be vigilant about self exam...sometimes I think he just wants all the tests, exams, everything over......I still think being 21 and having to get all these tests stinks...but that is life I guess....Mary Ellen

[Joe's Mom]

Mary Ellen - Joe was 20 when he received his first diagnosis. It certainly changed his course in life; and something I wished he never would have had to face. Today is Joe's 27th birthday. The cancer didn't change him as a person - we certainly had some rough terrain at times - but he's a great person. True - having to look towards your next CT, or next appointment for blood work, etc. is absolutely no fun. That's what always made me feel bad for my son. I saw his friends planning trips, and concerts, etc. and if he wanted to join in, he had to plan around his follow-ups. He had more to think about than just picking up and going. I felt in some way he was cheated of what he should have been doing as a young man. That's just what's in a Mom's (or Dad's) heart, I guess. We want the best for our kids and it hurts us so much when they have pain.

My best to your son.
Nancy

[dadmo]

Fate has certainly taken it's inch out of our son's lives but perhaps somewhere down the road it will give a mile back.

[Mom]

Boy, that's a nice thought, Dadmo.

[Chris'Mom]

Yes, hopefully, they have learned that life is uncertain, and we have to live it every day.....to the best of our ability.....and Nancy, you put it so well, our son's have to plan around tests, etc, and their friends at that age just take off with the wind, but your son sounds alot like Chris, Chris is very sensitive to others and always points out to me when I sound alittle too rough on others....I have to learn to be as nice as my son...thanks for all the input, I love to hear from other moms (and dads) it makes you seem less alone.
Chris will be home in the next day for Christmas, but first he is getting his bloodwork today and once I hear the hopefully good news, I will have my Xmas present.....Mary Ellen

[Scott]

Please wish Chris a merry Christmas and a cancer-free year from me!

[Chris'Mom]

I sure will Scott, and to you and your family as well, and everyone here on this supportive site! Mary Ellen